Rivera pleased with Broome product Moore's efforts in loss

Sunday

Sep 8, 2013 at 12:01 AMSep 9, 2013 at 12:42 AM

By MATT CONNOLLYmatthew.connolly@shj.com

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Carolina Panthers coach Ron Rivera raved about D.J. Moore's ability to play positions other than just nickelback, his natural position, when the Panthers were in Spartanburg for training camp earlier this summer.In Carolina's season opener against the Seattle Seahawks Sunday afternoon, Moore got to show some of that versatility off.The former Broome star, playing his first game with the Panthers, played strong safety on third down passing situations throughout Seattle's 12-7 victory over Carolina.Moore played mostly nickel for four seasons with the Chicago Bears prior to arriving in Charlotte, but with starting strong safety Mike Mitchell inactive with a calf injury, Moore split time with newly acquired Quintin Mikell at safety.“I've got good ball skills so the coaches wanted to put me in situations so I could go and get the ball,” Moore said. “Whatever coach needs me to do I'll do it.”Rivera was pleased with Moore's effort playing in a somewhat unfamiliar position.“I think D.J. did a nice job for us at safety,” Rivera said. “As we continue working, if we have to rotate it that way, I think it will get better and better.” Moore finished the game with two tackles, including one on former Gaffney and South Carolina star Sidney Rice.In addition to playing defense, Moore also was on the kickoff team and punt return team.“I feel like I did OK, but it's really just about the team and trying to help us win,” Moore said. “We didn't win so hopefully next week I can get in and make something happen, turn the game all the way around so there's not an opportunity for the other team to come in and steal one from us.”Carolina's defense played well, especially in the first half when Seattle managed just a field goal, but Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson connected with Jermaine Kearse for a 43-yard touchdown early in the fourth quarter as Seattle held on for the win.Kearse beat Panthers cornerback Josh Thomas and safety Charles Godfrey did not get over in time to break up the pass.Moore said the Panthers must regroup and try to rebound with a win next week at Buffalo.“I think in the NFL things happen. You're not going to win all the games,” Moore said. “It's a game that we could have easily won, but you've got to go on to next week. We've got 15 games left, and the average team that makes the playoffs wins 10 or 11 games so we've got a lot of wins left to get.”Rivera said the coaches will continue to explore the best way for Moore to make an impact.“One thing we have to look at too is using him as far as our nickel position is concerned as well because that's one of his more natural positions,” he said.Moore and Rice, who have known each other since their high school days, spoke before and after Sunday's game and Rice said the two are working on something special for after the season.“We're going to get together this offseason and do something for the Cherokee County, Spartanburg area, for the youth,” he said. “I just hope that in some way we can reach out to the youth and let them know that they definitely have an opportunity, no matter what background you come from, you have an opportunity to succeed in life.”